Strategic Council Online – Opinion: While Washington’s new strategic documents focus on competition with China and Russia, they also seek to transform West Asia into an arena for containing Iran through regional powers and asymmetric deterrence.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The agreement being formed between the European Union and India, aimed at creating a vast two-billion-person trade zone, will have geopolitical and economic consequences extending beyond mere trade.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: With a people-centric, low-cost model, India has opened a new path in artificial intelligence development that could inspire developing countries.
Strategic Council Online – Report: While the second phase of the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire has begun, the establishment of the “Peace Board” chaired by Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Davos meeting (22 January 2026) has become more than a technical mechanism for reconstruction and has turned into a test for the future of the international order.
Despite the signing of the charter by 22 out of 60 invited countries, the limited presence of global leaders at the Davos ceremony and the non-acceptance of this body by the European Union and key Western countries indicate a deep divide in global perceptions of the legitimacy of this mechanism.
In this report, drawing on the analysis of Hadi Borhani, a regional affairs expert, and international data, three strategic questions are addressed: Is the Peace Board an instrument for implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2803 or a substitute for the United Nations? How does the hierarchical architecture of this committee intensify executive challenges in Gaza? And finally, can this body create sustainable peace without the cooperation of Palestinians and with the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual?
Online Strategic Council – Memoir: The swift selection of Nouri al-Maliki for the premiership constitutes a new phase in Iraq’s political sphere. Multiple factors have played a role in this process, the most important being the prevailing situation in Iraq and the region. Under such circumstances, Iraq requires a powerful and experienced prime minister who can keep the country away from the dangers of wars and crises.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Relations between some countries in the Asia-Pacific region, such as China and Japan or China and Australia, which were previously relatively normal, are trending towards deterioration, and the primary reason for this is the aggressive policies of the United States of America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the decline of the liberal international order began in 2008. Although the liberal international order still governs international relations, an order is emerging to replace it, based on competition among major powers.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: The Ukraine war has become a new turning point in the political, security, and even commercial relations of allies on both sides of the Atlantic. While this war is nearing its fourth year, many questions still remain regarding its future and its consequences; among them, will the continuation of the Ukraine war lead to the collapse of the European security illusion?
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A university professor and international affairs analyst stated, “The US-centered world order is transitioning towards a multipolar structure.” This geopolitical transformation brings challenges and opportunities for Iran.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An expert on Persian Gulf regional issues stated: The White House recently announced that Trump signed an executive order guaranteeing Qatar’s security. The order states that U.S. policy is to deter and respond to any external attack on Qatar’s security and territorial integrity.
Online Strategic Council – Note: Three years after the start of the Ukraine war, the West is facing a reality that was predictable from the very beginning in the calculations of many realistic analysts: neither side can achieve a complete victory.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A researcher in the field of digital economy and artificial intelligence said: In today’s world, artificial intelligence (AI) is considered one of the main pillars of global economic and geopolitical transformations. The increasing competition among major powers, such as the United States and China, along with the European Union’s efforts to become a leading continent in the field of artificial intelligence, underscores the growing importance of this technology in shaping the economic and political destinies of countries. Amidst this, Global South countries, including Iran, can play an effective role in shaping the digital future by utilizing their domestic capacities and international cooperation.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior Egyptian affairs analyst stated that Egypt, the first Arab country to sign a peace agreement with the Zionist regime in 1979, has now adopted a new strategy due to concerns about the regime’s expansionist policies. The developments following the 2023 Gaza war revealed that Tel Aviv, with the unconditional support of the United States, seeks to alter the balance of power in West Asia —a matter that has compelled Cairo to expand its relations with Iran and Turkey, two significant regional powers. By holding joint military exercises with Turkey, mediating in Iran’s nuclear dossier, and seeking military and technological cooperation, Egypt is trying to prevent the Zionists’ hegemony in the region. Although the formation of a trilateral military alliance seems unlikely for now, Cairo’s rapprochement with Tehran and Ankara is considered a potential threat to the Israeli regime. In fact, in the face of regional pressures and border crises, Egypt is seeking to create a strategic balance to curb Tel Aviv’s influence and enhance its own position in the West Asian equations.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the unveiling of Iraq’s Vision 2050 plan by its Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, is assessed as a turning point on the path of economic development and reducing the country’s dependence on oil revenues. This plan is designed to create a diversified economy, develop infrastructure, and position Iraq at the heart of Asia-Europe trade corridors. If realized, it could alter the region’s geopolitical equations. In this plan, Al-Sudani has emphasized diverting 20 percent of the Asia-Europe trade through Iraq, which, if successful, will make the country a key player in global trade. On the other hand, environmental crises, security challenges, and the necessity of reforming governance structures in Iraq have made this plan a multidimensional and complex issue. For Iran, the implementation of Vision 2050 not only creates economic opportunities in the fields of energy and transit but also provides the possibility of enhancing political and security cooperation. However, the success of this plan is contingent upon resolving internal obstacles and Baghdad’s smart management of foreign relations, an issue that could improve the future of Iran-Iraq interactions and the regional standing of both countries in the coming decades.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, can be considered one of the most significant events in recent years in terms of global power dynamics. Through its impressive hosting and the announcement of various economic and political initiatives, China attempted to present an image of a gradual transition from the West-centric financial order. The presence of leaders from Russia, India, and Central Asian countries also demonstrated that the idea of multipolarity is no longer merely a slogan but is being pursued through economic and institutional cooperation. The coincidence of the Shanghai Summit with the military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan also highlighted the integration of the “hard power–soft power” strategy on the international stage.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: While Washington’s new strategic documents focus on competition with China and Russia, they also seek to transform West Asia into an arena for containing Iran through regional powers and asymmetric deterrence.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The agreement being formed between the European Union and India, aimed at creating a vast two-billion-person trade zone, will have geopolitical and economic consequences extending beyond mere trade.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: With a people-centric, low-cost model, India has opened a new path in artificial intelligence development that could inspire developing countries.
Strategic Council Online – Report: While the second phase of the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire has begun, the establishment of the “Peace Board” chaired by Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Davos meeting (22 January 2026) has become more than a technical mechanism for reconstruction and has turned into a test for the future of the international order.
Despite the signing of the charter by 22 out of 60 invited countries, the limited presence of global leaders at the Davos ceremony and the non-acceptance of this body by the European Union and key Western countries indicate a deep divide in global perceptions of the legitimacy of this mechanism.
In this report, drawing on the analysis of Hadi Borhani, a regional affairs expert, and international data, three strategic questions are addressed: Is the Peace Board an instrument for implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2803 or a substitute for the United Nations? How does the hierarchical architecture of this committee intensify executive challenges in Gaza? And finally, can this body create sustainable peace without the cooperation of Palestinians and with the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual?
Online Strategic Council – Memoir: The swift selection of Nouri al-Maliki for the premiership constitutes a new phase in Iraq’s political sphere. Multiple factors have played a role in this process, the most important being the prevailing situation in Iraq and the region. Under such circumstances, Iraq requires a powerful and experienced prime minister who can keep the country away from the dangers of wars and crises.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Relations between some countries in the Asia-Pacific region, such as China and Japan or China and Australia, which were previously relatively normal, are trending towards deterioration, and the primary reason for this is the aggressive policies of the United States of America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the decline of the liberal international order began in 2008. Although the liberal international order still governs international relations, an order is emerging to replace it, based on competition among major powers.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: The Ukraine war has become a new turning point in the political, security, and even commercial relations of allies on both sides of the Atlantic. While this war is nearing its fourth year, many questions still remain regarding its future and its consequences; among them, will the continuation of the Ukraine war lead to the collapse of the European security illusion?
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A university professor and international affairs analyst stated, “The US-centered world order is transitioning towards a multipolar structure.” This geopolitical transformation brings challenges and opportunities for Iran.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An expert on Persian Gulf regional issues stated: The White House recently announced that Trump signed an executive order guaranteeing Qatar’s security. The order states that U.S. policy is to deter and respond to any external attack on Qatar’s security and territorial integrity.
Online Strategic Council – Note: Three years after the start of the Ukraine war, the West is facing a reality that was predictable from the very beginning in the calculations of many realistic analysts: neither side can achieve a complete victory.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A researcher in the field of digital economy and artificial intelligence said: In today’s world, artificial intelligence (AI) is considered one of the main pillars of global economic and geopolitical transformations. The increasing competition among major powers, such as the United States and China, along with the European Union’s efforts to become a leading continent in the field of artificial intelligence, underscores the growing importance of this technology in shaping the economic and political destinies of countries. Amidst this, Global South countries, including Iran, can play an effective role in shaping the digital future by utilizing their domestic capacities and international cooperation.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior Egyptian affairs analyst stated that Egypt, the first Arab country to sign a peace agreement with the Zionist regime in 1979, has now adopted a new strategy due to concerns about the regime’s expansionist policies. The developments following the 2023 Gaza war revealed that Tel Aviv, with the unconditional support of the United States, seeks to alter the balance of power in West Asia —a matter that has compelled Cairo to expand its relations with Iran and Turkey, two significant regional powers. By holding joint military exercises with Turkey, mediating in Iran’s nuclear dossier, and seeking military and technological cooperation, Egypt is trying to prevent the Zionists’ hegemony in the region. Although the formation of a trilateral military alliance seems unlikely for now, Cairo’s rapprochement with Tehran and Ankara is considered a potential threat to the Israeli regime. In fact, in the face of regional pressures and border crises, Egypt is seeking to create a strategic balance to curb Tel Aviv’s influence and enhance its own position in the West Asian equations.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the unveiling of Iraq’s Vision 2050 plan by its Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, is assessed as a turning point on the path of economic development and reducing the country’s dependence on oil revenues. This plan is designed to create a diversified economy, develop infrastructure, and position Iraq at the heart of Asia-Europe trade corridors. If realized, it could alter the region’s geopolitical equations. In this plan, Al-Sudani has emphasized diverting 20 percent of the Asia-Europe trade through Iraq, which, if successful, will make the country a key player in global trade. On the other hand, environmental crises, security challenges, and the necessity of reforming governance structures in Iraq have made this plan a multidimensional and complex issue. For Iran, the implementation of Vision 2050 not only creates economic opportunities in the fields of energy and transit but also provides the possibility of enhancing political and security cooperation. However, the success of this plan is contingent upon resolving internal obstacles and Baghdad’s smart management of foreign relations, an issue that could improve the future of Iran-Iraq interactions and the regional standing of both countries in the coming decades.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, can be considered one of the most significant events in recent years in terms of global power dynamics. Through its impressive hosting and the announcement of various economic and political initiatives, China attempted to present an image of a gradual transition from the West-centric financial order. The presence of leaders from Russia, India, and Central Asian countries also demonstrated that the idea of multipolarity is no longer merely a slogan but is being pursued through economic and institutional cooperation. The coincidence of the Shanghai Summit with the military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan also highlighted the integration of the “hard power–soft power” strategy on the international stage.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A university professor and international affairs analyst stated, “The US-centered world order is transitioning towards a multipolar structure.” This geopolitical transformation brings challenges and opportunities for Iran.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An expert on Persian Gulf regional issues stated: The White House recently announced that Trump signed an executive order guaranteeing Qatar’s security. The order states that U.S. policy is to deter and respond to any external attack on Qatar’s security and territorial integrity.
Online Strategic Council – Note: Three years after the start of the Ukraine war, the West is facing a reality that was predictable from the very beginning in the calculations of many realistic analysts: neither side can achieve a complete victory.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A researcher in the field of digital economy and artificial intelligence said: In today’s world, artificial intelligence (AI) is considered one of the main pillars of global economic and geopolitical transformations. The increasing competition among major powers, such as the United States and China, along with the European Union’s efforts to become a leading continent in the field of artificial intelligence, underscores the growing importance of this technology in shaping the economic and political destinies of countries. Amidst this, Global South countries, including Iran, can play an effective role in shaping the digital future by utilizing their domestic capacities and international cooperation.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior Egyptian affairs analyst stated that Egypt, the first Arab country to sign a peace agreement with the Zionist regime in 1979, has now adopted a new strategy due to concerns about the regime’s expansionist policies. The developments following the 2023 Gaza war revealed that Tel Aviv, with the unconditional support of the United States, seeks to alter the balance of power in West Asia —a matter that has compelled Cairo to expand its relations with Iran and Turkey, two significant regional powers. By holding joint military exercises with Turkey, mediating in Iran’s nuclear dossier, and seeking military and technological cooperation, Egypt is trying to prevent the Zionists’ hegemony in the region. Although the formation of a trilateral military alliance seems unlikely for now, Cairo’s rapprochement with Tehran and Ankara is considered a potential threat to the Israeli regime. In fact, in the face of regional pressures and border crises, Egypt is seeking to create a strategic balance to curb Tel Aviv’s influence and enhance its own position in the West Asian equations.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the unveiling of Iraq’s Vision 2050 plan by its Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, is assessed as a turning point on the path of economic development and reducing the country’s dependence on oil revenues. This plan is designed to create a diversified economy, develop infrastructure, and position Iraq at the heart of Asia-Europe trade corridors. If realized, it could alter the region’s geopolitical equations. In this plan, Al-Sudani has emphasized diverting 20 percent of the Asia-Europe trade through Iraq, which, if successful, will make the country a key player in global trade. On the other hand, environmental crises, security challenges, and the necessity of reforming governance structures in Iraq have made this plan a multidimensional and complex issue. For Iran, the implementation of Vision 2050 not only creates economic opportunities in the fields of energy and transit but also provides the possibility of enhancing political and security cooperation. However, the success of this plan is contingent upon resolving internal obstacles and Baghdad’s smart management of foreign relations, an issue that could improve the future of Iran-Iraq interactions and the regional standing of both countries in the coming decades.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, can be considered one of the most significant events in recent years in terms of global power dynamics. Through its impressive hosting and the announcement of various economic and political initiatives, China attempted to present an image of a gradual transition from the West-centric financial order. The presence of leaders from Russia, India, and Central Asian countries also demonstrated that the idea of multipolarity is no longer merely a slogan but is being pursued through economic and institutional cooperation. The coincidence of the Shanghai Summit with the military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan also highlighted the integration of the “hard power–soft power” strategy on the international stage.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: While Washington’s new strategic documents focus on competition with China and Russia, they also seek to transform West Asia into an arena for containing Iran through regional powers and asymmetric deterrence.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The agreement being formed between the European Union and India, aimed at creating a vast two-billion-person trade zone, will have geopolitical and economic consequences extending beyond mere trade.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: With a people-centric, low-cost model, India has opened a new path in artificial intelligence development that could inspire developing countries.
Strategic Council Online – Report: While the second phase of the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire has begun, the establishment of the “Peace Board” chaired by Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Davos meeting (22 January 2026) has become more than a technical mechanism for reconstruction and has turned into a test for the future of the international order.
Despite the signing of the charter by 22 out of 60 invited countries, the limited presence of global leaders at the Davos ceremony and the non-acceptance of this body by the European Union and key Western countries indicate a deep divide in global perceptions of the legitimacy of this mechanism.
In this report, drawing on the analysis of Hadi Borhani, a regional affairs expert, and international data, three strategic questions are addressed: Is the Peace Board an instrument for implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2803 or a substitute for the United Nations? How does the hierarchical architecture of this committee intensify executive challenges in Gaza? And finally, can this body create sustainable peace without the cooperation of Palestinians and with the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual?
Online Strategic Council – Memoir: The swift selection of Nouri al-Maliki for the premiership constitutes a new phase in Iraq’s political sphere. Multiple factors have played a role in this process, the most important being the prevailing situation in Iraq and the region. Under such circumstances, Iraq requires a powerful and experienced prime minister who can keep the country away from the dangers of wars and crises.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Relations between some countries in the Asia-Pacific region, such as China and Japan or China and Australia, which were previously relatively normal, are trending towards deterioration, and the primary reason for this is the aggressive policies of the United States of America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the decline of the liberal international order began in 2008. Although the liberal international order still governs international relations, an order is emerging to replace it, based on competition among major powers.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: The Ukraine war has become a new turning point in the political, security, and even commercial relations of allies on both sides of the Atlantic. While this war is nearing its fourth year, many questions still remain regarding its future and its consequences; among them, will the continuation of the Ukraine war lead to the collapse of the European security illusion?
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A university professor and international affairs analyst stated, “The US-centered world order is transitioning towards a multipolar structure.” This geopolitical transformation brings challenges and opportunities for Iran.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An expert on Persian Gulf regional issues stated: The White House recently announced that Trump signed an executive order guaranteeing Qatar’s security. The order states that U.S. policy is to deter and respond to any external attack on Qatar’s security and territorial integrity.
Online Strategic Council – Note: Three years after the start of the Ukraine war, the West is facing a reality that was predictable from the very beginning in the calculations of many realistic analysts: neither side can achieve a complete victory.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A researcher in the field of digital economy and artificial intelligence said: In today’s world, artificial intelligence (AI) is considered one of the main pillars of global economic and geopolitical transformations. The increasing competition among major powers, such as the United States and China, along with the European Union’s efforts to become a leading continent in the field of artificial intelligence, underscores the growing importance of this technology in shaping the economic and political destinies of countries. Amidst this, Global South countries, including Iran, can play an effective role in shaping the digital future by utilizing their domestic capacities and international cooperation.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior Egyptian affairs analyst stated that Egypt, the first Arab country to sign a peace agreement with the Zionist regime in 1979, has now adopted a new strategy due to concerns about the regime’s expansionist policies. The developments following the 2023 Gaza war revealed that Tel Aviv, with the unconditional support of the United States, seeks to alter the balance of power in West Asia —a matter that has compelled Cairo to expand its relations with Iran and Turkey, two significant regional powers. By holding joint military exercises with Turkey, mediating in Iran’s nuclear dossier, and seeking military and technological cooperation, Egypt is trying to prevent the Zionists’ hegemony in the region. Although the formation of a trilateral military alliance seems unlikely for now, Cairo’s rapprochement with Tehran and Ankara is considered a potential threat to the Israeli regime. In fact, in the face of regional pressures and border crises, Egypt is seeking to create a strategic balance to curb Tel Aviv’s influence and enhance its own position in the West Asian equations.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the unveiling of Iraq’s Vision 2050 plan by its Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, is assessed as a turning point on the path of economic development and reducing the country’s dependence on oil revenues. This plan is designed to create a diversified economy, develop infrastructure, and position Iraq at the heart of Asia-Europe trade corridors. If realized, it could alter the region’s geopolitical equations. In this plan, Al-Sudani has emphasized diverting 20 percent of the Asia-Europe trade through Iraq, which, if successful, will make the country a key player in global trade. On the other hand, environmental crises, security challenges, and the necessity of reforming governance structures in Iraq have made this plan a multidimensional and complex issue. For Iran, the implementation of Vision 2050 not only creates economic opportunities in the fields of energy and transit but also provides the possibility of enhancing political and security cooperation. However, the success of this plan is contingent upon resolving internal obstacles and Baghdad’s smart management of foreign relations, an issue that could improve the future of Iran-Iraq interactions and the regional standing of both countries in the coming decades.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, can be considered one of the most significant events in recent years in terms of global power dynamics. Through its impressive hosting and the announcement of various economic and political initiatives, China attempted to present an image of a gradual transition from the West-centric financial order. The presence of leaders from Russia, India, and Central Asian countries also demonstrated that the idea of multipolarity is no longer merely a slogan but is being pursued through economic and institutional cooperation. The coincidence of the Shanghai Summit with the military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan also highlighted the integration of the “hard power–soft power” strategy on the international stage.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: While Washington’s new strategic documents focus on competition with China and Russia, they also seek to transform West Asia into an arena for containing Iran through regional powers and asymmetric deterrence.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The agreement being formed between the European Union and India, aimed at creating a vast two-billion-person trade zone, will have geopolitical and economic consequences extending beyond mere trade.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: With a people-centric, low-cost model, India has opened a new path in artificial intelligence development that could inspire developing countries.
Strategic Council Online – Report: While the second phase of the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire has begun, the establishment of the “Peace Board” chaired by Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Davos meeting (22 January 2026) has become more than a technical mechanism for reconstruction and has turned into a test for the future of the international order.
Despite the signing of the charter by 22 out of 60 invited countries, the limited presence of global leaders at the Davos ceremony and the non-acceptance of this body by the European Union and key Western countries indicate a deep divide in global perceptions of the legitimacy of this mechanism.
In this report, drawing on the analysis of Hadi Borhani, a regional affairs expert, and international data, three strategic questions are addressed: Is the Peace Board an instrument for implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2803 or a substitute for the United Nations? How does the hierarchical architecture of this committee intensify executive challenges in Gaza? And finally, can this body create sustainable peace without the cooperation of Palestinians and with the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual?
Online Strategic Council – Memoir: The swift selection of Nouri al-Maliki for the premiership constitutes a new phase in Iraq’s political sphere. Multiple factors have played a role in this process, the most important being the prevailing situation in Iraq and the region. Under such circumstances, Iraq requires a powerful and experienced prime minister who can keep the country away from the dangers of wars and crises.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Relations between some countries in the Asia-Pacific region, such as China and Japan or China and Australia, which were previously relatively normal, are trending towards deterioration, and the primary reason for this is the aggressive policies of the United States of America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the decline of the liberal international order began in 2008. Although the liberal international order still governs international relations, an order is emerging to replace it, based on competition among major powers.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: The Ukraine war has become a new turning point in the political, security, and even commercial relations of allies on both sides of the Atlantic. While this war is nearing its fourth year, many questions still remain regarding its future and its consequences; among them, will the continuation of the Ukraine war lead to the collapse of the European security illusion?
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A university professor and international affairs analyst stated, “The US-centered world order is transitioning towards a multipolar structure.” This geopolitical transformation brings challenges and opportunities for Iran.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An expert on Persian Gulf regional issues stated: The White House recently announced that Trump signed an executive order guaranteeing Qatar’s security. The order states that U.S. policy is to deter and respond to any external attack on Qatar’s security and territorial integrity.
Online Strategic Council – Note: Three years after the start of the Ukraine war, the West is facing a reality that was predictable from the very beginning in the calculations of many realistic analysts: neither side can achieve a complete victory.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A researcher in the field of digital economy and artificial intelligence said: In today’s world, artificial intelligence (AI) is considered one of the main pillars of global economic and geopolitical transformations. The increasing competition among major powers, such as the United States and China, along with the European Union’s efforts to become a leading continent in the field of artificial intelligence, underscores the growing importance of this technology in shaping the economic and political destinies of countries. Amidst this, Global South countries, including Iran, can play an effective role in shaping the digital future by utilizing their domestic capacities and international cooperation.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior Egyptian affairs analyst stated that Egypt, the first Arab country to sign a peace agreement with the Zionist regime in 1979, has now adopted a new strategy due to concerns about the regime’s expansionist policies. The developments following the 2023 Gaza war revealed that Tel Aviv, with the unconditional support of the United States, seeks to alter the balance of power in West Asia —a matter that has compelled Cairo to expand its relations with Iran and Turkey, two significant regional powers. By holding joint military exercises with Turkey, mediating in Iran’s nuclear dossier, and seeking military and technological cooperation, Egypt is trying to prevent the Zionists’ hegemony in the region. Although the formation of a trilateral military alliance seems unlikely for now, Cairo’s rapprochement with Tehran and Ankara is considered a potential threat to the Israeli regime. In fact, in the face of regional pressures and border crises, Egypt is seeking to create a strategic balance to curb Tel Aviv’s influence and enhance its own position in the West Asian equations.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the unveiling of Iraq’s Vision 2050 plan by its Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, is assessed as a turning point on the path of economic development and reducing the country’s dependence on oil revenues. This plan is designed to create a diversified economy, develop infrastructure, and position Iraq at the heart of Asia-Europe trade corridors. If realized, it could alter the region’s geopolitical equations. In this plan, Al-Sudani has emphasized diverting 20 percent of the Asia-Europe trade through Iraq, which, if successful, will make the country a key player in global trade. On the other hand, environmental crises, security challenges, and the necessity of reforming governance structures in Iraq have made this plan a multidimensional and complex issue. For Iran, the implementation of Vision 2050 not only creates economic opportunities in the fields of energy and transit but also provides the possibility of enhancing political and security cooperation. However, the success of this plan is contingent upon resolving internal obstacles and Baghdad’s smart management of foreign relations, an issue that could improve the future of Iran-Iraq interactions and the regional standing of both countries in the coming decades.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, can be considered one of the most significant events in recent years in terms of global power dynamics. Through its impressive hosting and the announcement of various economic and political initiatives, China attempted to present an image of a gradual transition from the West-centric financial order. The presence of leaders from Russia, India, and Central Asian countries also demonstrated that the idea of multipolarity is no longer merely a slogan but is being pursued through economic and institutional cooperation. The coincidence of the Shanghai Summit with the military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan also highlighted the integration of the “hard power–soft power” strategy on the international stage.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: While Washington’s new strategic documents focus on competition with China and Russia, they also seek to transform West Asia into an arena for containing Iran through regional powers and asymmetric deterrence.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The agreement being formed between the European Union and India, aimed at creating a vast two-billion-person trade zone, will have geopolitical and economic consequences extending beyond mere trade.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: With a people-centric, low-cost model, India has opened a new path in artificial intelligence development that could inspire developing countries.
Strategic Council Online – Report: While the second phase of the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire has begun, the establishment of the “Peace Board” chaired by Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Davos meeting (22 January 2026) has become more than a technical mechanism for reconstruction and has turned into a test for the future of the international order.
Despite the signing of the charter by 22 out of 60 invited countries, the limited presence of global leaders at the Davos ceremony and the non-acceptance of this body by the European Union and key Western countries indicate a deep divide in global perceptions of the legitimacy of this mechanism.
In this report, drawing on the analysis of Hadi Borhani, a regional affairs expert, and international data, three strategic questions are addressed: Is the Peace Board an instrument for implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2803 or a substitute for the United Nations? How does the hierarchical architecture of this committee intensify executive challenges in Gaza? And finally, can this body create sustainable peace without the cooperation of Palestinians and with the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual?
Online Strategic Council – Memoir: The swift selection of Nouri al-Maliki for the premiership constitutes a new phase in Iraq’s political sphere. Multiple factors have played a role in this process, the most important being the prevailing situation in Iraq and the region. Under such circumstances, Iraq requires a powerful and experienced prime minister who can keep the country away from the dangers of wars and crises.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Relations between some countries in the Asia-Pacific region, such as China and Japan or China and Australia, which were previously relatively normal, are trending towards deterioration, and the primary reason for this is the aggressive policies of the United States of America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the decline of the liberal international order began in 2008. Although the liberal international order still governs international relations, an order is emerging to replace it, based on competition among major powers.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: The Ukraine war has become a new turning point in the political, security, and even commercial relations of allies on both sides of the Atlantic. While this war is nearing its fourth year, many questions still remain regarding its future and its consequences; among them, will the continuation of the Ukraine war lead to the collapse of the European security illusion?
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A university professor and international affairs analyst stated, “The US-centered world order is transitioning towards a multipolar structure.” This geopolitical transformation brings challenges and opportunities for Iran.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An expert on Persian Gulf regional issues stated: The White House recently announced that Trump signed an executive order guaranteeing Qatar’s security. The order states that U.S. policy is to deter and respond to any external attack on Qatar’s security and territorial integrity.
Online Strategic Council – Note: Three years after the start of the Ukraine war, the West is facing a reality that was predictable from the very beginning in the calculations of many realistic analysts: neither side can achieve a complete victory.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A researcher in the field of digital economy and artificial intelligence said: In today’s world, artificial intelligence (AI) is considered one of the main pillars of global economic and geopolitical transformations. The increasing competition among major powers, such as the United States and China, along with the European Union’s efforts to become a leading continent in the field of artificial intelligence, underscores the growing importance of this technology in shaping the economic and political destinies of countries. Amidst this, Global South countries, including Iran, can play an effective role in shaping the digital future by utilizing their domestic capacities and international cooperation.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior Egyptian affairs analyst stated that Egypt, the first Arab country to sign a peace agreement with the Zionist regime in 1979, has now adopted a new strategy due to concerns about the regime’s expansionist policies. The developments following the 2023 Gaza war revealed that Tel Aviv, with the unconditional support of the United States, seeks to alter the balance of power in West Asia —a matter that has compelled Cairo to expand its relations with Iran and Turkey, two significant regional powers. By holding joint military exercises with Turkey, mediating in Iran’s nuclear dossier, and seeking military and technological cooperation, Egypt is trying to prevent the Zionists’ hegemony in the region. Although the formation of a trilateral military alliance seems unlikely for now, Cairo’s rapprochement with Tehran and Ankara is considered a potential threat to the Israeli regime. In fact, in the face of regional pressures and border crises, Egypt is seeking to create a strategic balance to curb Tel Aviv’s influence and enhance its own position in the West Asian equations.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the unveiling of Iraq’s Vision 2050 plan by its Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, is assessed as a turning point on the path of economic development and reducing the country’s dependence on oil revenues. This plan is designed to create a diversified economy, develop infrastructure, and position Iraq at the heart of Asia-Europe trade corridors. If realized, it could alter the region’s geopolitical equations. In this plan, Al-Sudani has emphasized diverting 20 percent of the Asia-Europe trade through Iraq, which, if successful, will make the country a key player in global trade. On the other hand, environmental crises, security challenges, and the necessity of reforming governance structures in Iraq have made this plan a multidimensional and complex issue. For Iran, the implementation of Vision 2050 not only creates economic opportunities in the fields of energy and transit but also provides the possibility of enhancing political and security cooperation. However, the success of this plan is contingent upon resolving internal obstacles and Baghdad’s smart management of foreign relations, an issue that could improve the future of Iran-Iraq interactions and the regional standing of both countries in the coming decades.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, can be considered one of the most significant events in recent years in terms of global power dynamics. Through its impressive hosting and the announcement of various economic and political initiatives, China attempted to present an image of a gradual transition from the West-centric financial order. The presence of leaders from Russia, India, and Central Asian countries also demonstrated that the idea of multipolarity is no longer merely a slogan but is being pursued through economic and institutional cooperation. The coincidence of the Shanghai Summit with the military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan also highlighted the integration of the “hard power–soft power” strategy on the international stage.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: While Washington’s new strategic documents focus on competition with China and Russia, they also seek to transform West Asia into an arena for containing Iran through regional powers and asymmetric deterrence.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The agreement being formed between the European Union and India, aimed at creating a vast two-billion-person trade zone, will have geopolitical and economic consequences extending beyond mere trade.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: With a people-centric, low-cost model, India has opened a new path in artificial intelligence development that could inspire developing countries.
Strategic Council Online – Report: While the second phase of the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire has begun, the establishment of the “Peace Board” chaired by Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Davos meeting (22 January 2026) has become more than a technical mechanism for reconstruction and has turned into a test for the future of the international order.
Despite the signing of the charter by 22 out of 60 invited countries, the limited presence of global leaders at the Davos ceremony and the non-acceptance of this body by the European Union and key Western countries indicate a deep divide in global perceptions of the legitimacy of this mechanism.
In this report, drawing on the analysis of Hadi Borhani, a regional affairs expert, and international data, three strategic questions are addressed: Is the Peace Board an instrument for implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2803 or a substitute for the United Nations? How does the hierarchical architecture of this committee intensify executive challenges in Gaza? And finally, can this body create sustainable peace without the cooperation of Palestinians and with the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual?
Online Strategic Council – Memoir: The swift selection of Nouri al-Maliki for the premiership constitutes a new phase in Iraq’s political sphere. Multiple factors have played a role in this process, the most important being the prevailing situation in Iraq and the region. Under such circumstances, Iraq requires a powerful and experienced prime minister who can keep the country away from the dangers of wars and crises.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Relations between some countries in the Asia-Pacific region, such as China and Japan or China and Australia, which were previously relatively normal, are trending towards deterioration, and the primary reason for this is the aggressive policies of the United States of America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the decline of the liberal international order began in 2008. Although the liberal international order still governs international relations, an order is emerging to replace it, based on competition among major powers.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: The Ukraine war has become a new turning point in the political, security, and even commercial relations of allies on both sides of the Atlantic. While this war is nearing its fourth year, many questions still remain regarding its future and its consequences; among them, will the continuation of the Ukraine war lead to the collapse of the European security illusion?
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A university professor and international affairs analyst stated, “The US-centered world order is transitioning towards a multipolar structure.” This geopolitical transformation brings challenges and opportunities for Iran.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An expert on Persian Gulf regional issues stated: The White House recently announced that Trump signed an executive order guaranteeing Qatar’s security. The order states that U.S. policy is to deter and respond to any external attack on Qatar’s security and territorial integrity.
Online Strategic Council – Note: Three years after the start of the Ukraine war, the West is facing a reality that was predictable from the very beginning in the calculations of many realistic analysts: neither side can achieve a complete victory.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A researcher in the field of digital economy and artificial intelligence said: In today’s world, artificial intelligence (AI) is considered one of the main pillars of global economic and geopolitical transformations. The increasing competition among major powers, such as the United States and China, along with the European Union’s efforts to become a leading continent in the field of artificial intelligence, underscores the growing importance of this technology in shaping the economic and political destinies of countries. Amidst this, Global South countries, including Iran, can play an effective role in shaping the digital future by utilizing their domestic capacities and international cooperation.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior Egyptian affairs analyst stated that Egypt, the first Arab country to sign a peace agreement with the Zionist regime in 1979, has now adopted a new strategy due to concerns about the regime’s expansionist policies. The developments following the 2023 Gaza war revealed that Tel Aviv, with the unconditional support of the United States, seeks to alter the balance of power in West Asia —a matter that has compelled Cairo to expand its relations with Iran and Turkey, two significant regional powers. By holding joint military exercises with Turkey, mediating in Iran’s nuclear dossier, and seeking military and technological cooperation, Egypt is trying to prevent the Zionists’ hegemony in the region. Although the formation of a trilateral military alliance seems unlikely for now, Cairo’s rapprochement with Tehran and Ankara is considered a potential threat to the Israeli regime. In fact, in the face of regional pressures and border crises, Egypt is seeking to create a strategic balance to curb Tel Aviv’s influence and enhance its own position in the West Asian equations.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the unveiling of Iraq’s Vision 2050 plan by its Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, is assessed as a turning point on the path of economic development and reducing the country’s dependence on oil revenues. This plan is designed to create a diversified economy, develop infrastructure, and position Iraq at the heart of Asia-Europe trade corridors. If realized, it could alter the region’s geopolitical equations. In this plan, Al-Sudani has emphasized diverting 20 percent of the Asia-Europe trade through Iraq, which, if successful, will make the country a key player in global trade. On the other hand, environmental crises, security challenges, and the necessity of reforming governance structures in Iraq have made this plan a multidimensional and complex issue. For Iran, the implementation of Vision 2050 not only creates economic opportunities in the fields of energy and transit but also provides the possibility of enhancing political and security cooperation. However, the success of this plan is contingent upon resolving internal obstacles and Baghdad’s smart management of foreign relations, an issue that could improve the future of Iran-Iraq interactions and the regional standing of both countries in the coming decades.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, can be considered one of the most significant events in recent years in terms of global power dynamics. Through its impressive hosting and the announcement of various economic and political initiatives, China attempted to present an image of a gradual transition from the West-centric financial order. The presence of leaders from Russia, India, and Central Asian countries also demonstrated that the idea of multipolarity is no longer merely a slogan but is being pursued through economic and institutional cooperation. The coincidence of the Shanghai Summit with the military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan also highlighted the integration of the “hard power–soft power” strategy on the international stage.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: While Washington’s new strategic documents focus on competition with China and Russia, they also seek to transform West Asia into an arena for containing Iran through regional powers and asymmetric deterrence.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The agreement being formed between the European Union and India, aimed at creating a vast two-billion-person trade zone, will have geopolitical and economic consequences extending beyond mere trade.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: With a people-centric, low-cost model, India has opened a new path in artificial intelligence development that could inspire developing countries.
Strategic Council Online – Report: While the second phase of the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire has begun, the establishment of the “Peace Board” chaired by Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Davos meeting (22 January 2026) has become more than a technical mechanism for reconstruction and has turned into a test for the future of the international order.
Despite the signing of the charter by 22 out of 60 invited countries, the limited presence of global leaders at the Davos ceremony and the non-acceptance of this body by the European Union and key Western countries indicate a deep divide in global perceptions of the legitimacy of this mechanism.
In this report, drawing on the analysis of Hadi Borhani, a regional affairs expert, and international data, three strategic questions are addressed: Is the Peace Board an instrument for implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2803 or a substitute for the United Nations? How does the hierarchical architecture of this committee intensify executive challenges in Gaza? And finally, can this body create sustainable peace without the cooperation of Palestinians and with the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual?
Online Strategic Council – Memoir: The swift selection of Nouri al-Maliki for the premiership constitutes a new phase in Iraq’s political sphere. Multiple factors have played a role in this process, the most important being the prevailing situation in Iraq and the region. Under such circumstances, Iraq requires a powerful and experienced prime minister who can keep the country away from the dangers of wars and crises.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Relations between some countries in the Asia-Pacific region, such as China and Japan or China and Australia, which were previously relatively normal, are trending towards deterioration, and the primary reason for this is the aggressive policies of the United States of America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the decline of the liberal international order began in 2008. Although the liberal international order still governs international relations, an order is emerging to replace it, based on competition among major powers.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: The Ukraine war has become a new turning point in the political, security, and even commercial relations of allies on both sides of the Atlantic. While this war is nearing its fourth year, many questions still remain regarding its future and its consequences; among them, will the continuation of the Ukraine war lead to the collapse of the European security illusion?